The U.S. Auto Industry is a Leader in Research & Development
Automakers and their suppliers are the world’s third biggest investor in R&D.
Designing and producing autos is a massive engineering challenge, which is why automakers and their suppliers invest approximately $130 billion in R&D each year – behind only pharmaceuticals and technology hardware.
American Automakers are Leaders in Research & Development and Innovation
In the U.S., automakers and their suppliers invested approximately $23 billion in 2018, representing approximately $1,333 of R&D for each car sold here that year, on average.
Over the past decade, automaker R&D has driven braking technology from anti-lock brakes (which help a driver brake faster) to electronic stability control (which keeps a vehicle moving safely when the driver has lost control), to automated emergency steering systems (which control braking, steering, and throttle functions)
Meanwhile, research into the use of new materials, better joining (welding, fasteners, adhesives), and fabrication could reduce a vehicle’s body weight by 10% to 20% from 2014 through 2020.
FCA, Ford, and General Motors each spend more per year than General Electric, Boeing, AT&T, and Tesla.
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GM Expects To Be Making Half A Million Electrified Vehicles Annually By 2017
During its Electrification Experience in San Francisco last week, General Motors announced that it is paring down plans for the alternative fuels market.
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GM: Chevy Spark EV Will Set "Benchmark" For Urban Electric Vehicles
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will set a benchmark for urban electric vehicles by offering industry-leading EV power, outstanding driving range, and exceptional fast-charge capability, according to General Motors Co.
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General Motors, Chrysler, Ford All Betting On Pickup Truck Sales Surge With Housing Market Improvements
Auto companies are betting on a surge in pickup sales now that home building is on the rise.
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Ford donates $1M to Red Cross
Ford Motor Co.'s charitable arm said Thursday it is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross for workplace development training for veterans, military members and their families, as well as to disaster relief through the Red Cross Disaster Responder program.
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Chrysler expands 3 Michigan plants to make more 3.6-liter engines
Chrysler's expansion of three Michigan plants is driven by the growing gap between its sales and the ability of its plants to keep up.